Denbighshire libraries offering data poverty help

Working with the Good Things Foundation, Denbighshire’s Libraries help distribute free SIM cards and mobile data to local people living in data poverty through the National Databank Scheme. 

The National Databank distributes free data to people through community organisations and is supported by many popular UK mobile networks. 

Denbighshire residents can register their interest to take part if they meet the eligibility criteria. Residents can also register interest on behalf of other people if they know someone who would benefit from free mobile data. 

To be eligible to access the National Databank, residents must be over 18 years old and come from a low-income household. They also need to meet one or more of the following criteria: 

• You have no or insufficient access to the internet at home.
• You have no or insufficient access to the internet away from home.
• You can't afford your existing monthly contract or top-up.

Councillor Emrys Wynne, Lead Member for Welsh Language, Culture & Heritage said: “Internet access has become such a vital part of everyday life, with many essential services and schemes now moving online. I would urge anyone who may need some help in this area to contact or visit their local library for more information.”

* For more information, go to https://www.denbighshire.gov.uk/en/leisure-and-tourism/libraries/help-to-get-online.aspx or visit your local library.

ITV Wales news item puts eisteddfod's future under spotlight

* Ken Skates MS puts his viewpoint to ITV Wales reporter Joanne Gallacher.

llanblogger's Phil Robinson gave his view of the current problems facing Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod in a TV news item earlier tonight (Monday).

He was filmed for an ITV Wales story on the future of the festival which was aired on the evening bulletin.

Also interviewed for the item was Clwyd South Assembly Member Ken Skates and Shea Ferron, who is one of the six new members of the eisteddfod's board of trustees.

Phil Robinson, who has covered the eisteddfod as a reporter for the Wrexham Leader, as a press officer for a communications company and also for his news blog, was asked by ITV Wales reporter Joanne Gallacher what needed to be done to ensure the survival of the festival after it recorded a substantial loss on this year's event and and been forced to to make its musical director redundant as a direct result of the financial situation. 

* New trustee Shea Ferron is interviewed on the eisteddfod situation.

After stressing how many people were getting behind the eisteddfod, he said changes were definitely needed.

He explained: "This year some of the evening concerts weren't that well attended, although the one featuring Alfie Boe, the top concert of the week, was a sell-out, so they've got to look at the concerts as well as other things."

Earlier in the item Joanne Gallacher said the eisteddfod needed not only to survive but also to thrive and that volunteers, who were now in charge of the entire event following the departure of musical director Camilla King, had vowed the eisteddfod would continue next year.

Shea Ferron told her: "We are aware that the loss was a substantial amount and hence why we had to make the very difficult decision to make redundant one of the major roles of the eisteddfod."

* llanblogger's Phil Robinson was asked for his opinion on the festival's future. 

Asked how volunteers in charge, like himself, a student, would go out and promote the eisteddfod given that most had other jobs, he replied: "No matter what our commitments we will find the time because of the love that we all have for this festival."

Ken Skates MS was asked if the Welsh Government was likely to hand any further financial aid to the eisteddfod on top of the £90,000 it had already allocated in the current financial year.

The reporter also pointed out it was being said that the National Eisteddfod received more financial support from the government in Cardiff.

Mr Skates replied that he wouldn't like to play one event off against another and added: "The International Eisteddfod exists to promote world peace. It exists to draw people in. It aligns well with the Welsh Government's declared status as a sanctuary nation, and perhaps that is where we could see stronger support from the government."

The report concluded with Joanne Gallacher saying that the volunteers were adamant that the eisteddfod would continue.

She added: "Sponsorship deals are in place, fingers crossed, and they have got a list of stars that they hope will come to the Pavilion next year.

"I can't tell you who the big names are but they are impressive." 

* ITV Wales reporter Joanne Gallacher winds up the story from the bridge.

      

Further Welsh Government moves on RAAC announced

 

Following new information over the weekend, all 22 local authorities in Wales are assessing Reinforced Autoclaved Aerated Concrete (RAAC) in education buildings. More than 100 schools in England have been told to close areas affected by reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete (RAAC) without safety measures in place. It follows the collapse of a beam that was previously thought to be safe. Denbighshire County Council says it has no evidence to suggest that any of its buildings are at risk from problems associated with the historical use of Reinforced Autoclaved Aerated Concrete (RAAC).

Two schools on Anglesey have been identified as having RAAC, Ysgol David Hughes and Ysgol Uwchradd Caergybi. There are no immediate risks or concerns, according to the Welsh Government. Both schools will now temporarily close so that further safety inspections can be carried out and that alternative planning can take place. The government is undertaking further work to verify the position across Wales and a review of the latest information held by local authorities is underway. Results are expected within the next two weeks. The Minister for Education and Welsh Language, Jeremy Miles said: “Our main concern is the safety of pupils and staff. Since we became aware of these developments, we have been working urgently with Local Authorities and WLGA to make sure pupils and staff can go back to school safely. "Some of the new evidence regarding the usage of RAAC was provided to Welsh Government last night. This was immediately shared with Cyngor Sir Ynys Môn to support them in their decision making process. “We’re making these decisions together to keep staff and pupils safe. Cyngor Sir Ynys Môn and the schools are doing everything they can to minimise the impact on pupils. If any of this action affects you, you will hear directly from your school.” Councillor Ian Roberts (Flintshire), WLGA Education Spokesperson said: “The WLGA continues to work closely and in regular dialogue with the Welsh Government and local authorities on this issue. Teachers, staff, and pupils’ safety is our paramount priority as we seek to establish the full position across Wales.” Anglesey Council Leader, Cllr Llinos Medi said: “This is an evolving and emerging national issue. We appreciate this will be disappointing for all staff and pupils. However, their safety is our main priority. We are putting plans in place for Ysgol David Hughes and Ysgol Uwchradd Caergybi to minimise any disruption to children’s education. “We are working closely with the Headteachers and staff at the affected schools. The schools will communicate further updates with parents/guardians and young people. Again, our main priority is to ensure the safety of all our staff and young people.”

 

Four Great Highways team seeks further feedback

Following their consultation and feedback gathering earlier in the year, the Four Great Highways project team would now like to gather feedback on people’s preferred design options for the new interpretation and wayfinding due to be installed as part of the scheme. 

Wayfinding posts are used to help people navigate around an area.

Interpretation posts are used to let people know something important about the area, for example, they may be used to provide information about local history.

Once they have received public feedback, the Project Board will consider which designs and pieces of interpretation are the preferred option. 

Feedback must be received by October 8. 

The designs will be on display together with the detailed plans for the project at Llangollen Library from next Wednesday afternoon (September 6) until Saturday October 7 for anybody who would like to pop along for a look.  

The plans are already available to view on the Four Great Highways webpage (see pdf link to General Arrangement Plans within the Gallery section), and the signage and wayfinding designs will be added to the same section soon.

* People can get in touch with the project team us in one of the following ways:

Online: Denbighshire County Conversations

E-mail: fourgreathighways@denbighshire.gov.uk / pedairprifforddfawr@sirddinbych.gov.uk

Collect and return a paper questionnaire from Wednesday 6^th September 2023 afternoon: Llangollen Library, Castle Street, Llangollen, LL20 8NU

Write to: Corporate Support Service Performance, Digital & Assets, Denbighshire County Council, PO Box 62, Ruthin, LL15 9AZ

Operatic sweeps the board at amateur stage 'Oscars'

 

Llangollen Operatic Society has picked up four major awards for two of its 2022 shows at the amateur stage 'Oscars'.

At a ceremony in Newport, south Wales on Saturday night the popular local stage group swept the board at the annual NODA - National Operatic and Dramatic Association – Awards.

Three of the honours came for Calendar Girls the Musical which the main society staged at Llangollen Town Hall September 2022.

These were:

* Outstanding Musical Production

* Outstanding Individual Performance to to Louise Lyne for her role as Chris

* Outstanding Supporting Individual Performance to Aled Morris for his role as Danny

The quartet of awards was completed when Outstanding Performance went to Ethan Le-Cheminant for his role as Seymour in Little Shop of Horrors which was performed by the society's junior section, the Young 'Uns, in March 2022.

Tracey Jones, producer for Calendar Girls, said: "Calendar Girls was certainly a challenge.

"The initial reaction when we asked the committee to proceed with the licence application, was, 'Fantastic choice but who on earth will audition to be naked on Llangollen Stage?'

"As producer I'm so very grateful to the help and dedication from cast and crew, such talent on stage. I hate singling people out but special shout outs and thanks from me have to go to Elen Mair Roberts as musical director who went above and beyond her own role, Louise Lyne for stepping into a lead role three days before opening night and Sarah Marshall for also picking up a role unexpectedly last minute and all the movement/directional support.

"Backstage crew worked incredibly hard under the direction of Millie Orton-Jones, who led the team with such confidence and professionalism at the tender age of just 21.

"Everybody who helped, no matter how big or small. Thank you. This award is for you all. Here's to the next one - Bad Girls The Musical in May 2024."

Pamela Williams, who produced Little Shop of Horrors for the Young 'Uns, said: "Huge congratulations to Ethan for this award. Everyone involved in the production of Little Shop is thrilled for him, it was a massive part and he was exceptional in it.

"We wish him well now that he has left the Young 'Uns to go on to university."

County has 'no evidence' of buildings at risk from suspect concrete

Denbighshire County Council says it has no evidence to suggest that any of its buildings are at risk from problems associated with the historical use of Reinforced Autoclaved Aerated Concrete (RAAC).

More than 100 schools in England have been told to close areas affected by reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete (RAAC) without safety measures in place.

It follows the collapse of a beam that was previously thought to be safe

In the light of what has happened over the border it Is understood that Denbighshire has received a number of enquiries from schools, governors and elected members seeking assurances that the associated risks to county schools is low.   

It has therefore made a statement on the issue, a copy of which has been seen by llanblogger.

This says: “The issue of RAAC being used in buildings was raised via the Local Government Association in 2019/20. In response to this, Denbighshire County Council instigated a two-phased approach.  

"Phase 1 involved a review of all building stock based on known construction materials and methods used in our buildings from previous surveys, specifications, and surveyor knowledge.  

"Based on this review, the second phase identified buildings with potential RAAC or where there was insufficient information to make a judgement.  

"Following this, surveys of 105 buildings were commissioned in 2021 to establish whether RAAC was present. These detailed surveys were on a range of Council buildings, not just schools. All surveys returned negative results.

"Denbighshire County Council would like to reassure elected members, governors, parents and school staff that it has taken all reasonable steps to ascertain the structural integrity of its buildings and has no evidence to suggest any of its buildings are at risk. The council will work with Welsh Government to instigate surveys of all school buildings if required."

“The work undertaken by the team means that pupils can start the new term as planned, as there is no evidence to suggest any of the buildings are at risk. The Council will, of course, work with Welsh Government to instigate surveys of all school buildings if required.”

Councillor Gill German, Cabinet Lead Member for Education, Children and Families Services said, “Denbighshire County Council is proud of its continued investment in the education of the County’s young people in partnership with Welsh Government through the 21st Century Schools Programme. 

"Over recent years, over £90 million has been invested in the County’s schools with five brand new school buildings for Rhos Street School and Ysgol Pen Barras in Ruthin, Ysgol Carreg Emlyn in Clocaenog, Ysgol Llanfair in Llanfair Dyffryn Clwyd, Christ the Word Catholic School, Rhyl, and Rhyl High School, while a significant extension was built at Ysgol Glan Clwyd, St Asaph and at Bodnant Community School and Ysgol Bro Dyfrdwy, Cynwyd. 

“In addition, plans are in place to deliver further investments in partnership with the Welsh Government through the Sustainable Communities for Learning Programme, with proposals being developed for a new facility at Ysgol Plas Brondyffryn, in Denbigh together with further investment at Ysgol Pendref and Denbigh High School in Denbigh and at Ysgol Bryn Collen and Ysgol y Gwernant in Llangollen.” 

Work starts to extend Wenffrwd Nature Reserve to canal

 

* Work begins on the Wenffrwd Nature Reserve.

Work has started to connect the Wenffrwd Nature Reserve to the canal at the far end of the site.

OBR Construction has been appointed to carry out the work which should be complete by the beginning of October. 

David Shiel, area manager of the Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty which is in charge of the scheme, said: "The path from the Nature Reserve will link to the canal just beyond where the canal passes under the road.  

"It’s a very steep bank so the work will include ground stabilisation – including soil nailing.  Quite a challenge but a big move to linking the site to the wider area.

"Access around the site should not be affected whilst work is going on and we will do everything to avoid any inconvenience to visitors. 

"This is the final piece in the jigsaw in the development of Wenffrwd as a nature reserve that started in 2021, and will make it possible to link to the canal without crossing the road."